第１１８６堀：試合直前の作戦 (Part1)
**Chapter 1186: Strategy Before the Match**
**Side: Eupia, Team 12**
Good heavens. I was invited to participate in this "Exchange Meet" conceived by Yuki-dono, but it has been a continuous string of surprises.
"It’s a bit late to say this, but clashing with Weed is simply out of the question."
"Indeed."
Shou nodded honestly at the words that had slipped from my lips. And rightly so; the "Martial Arts Tournament" had only just concluded, and watching it led us to the conclusion that, not only as a military force but even as individuals, challenging them is an impossibility.
"To think that even Firia-sama could fight to that extent."
"Indeed. I never imagined my friend possessed such skill. I knew she was capable, of course, but I never expected that level of prowess."
She had faced Dressa in the first round and Seraria-dono, the Queen of this nation, in the second, ultimately suffering defeat. Yet, the content of those matches did not mean Firia was inferior. Well, perhaps in the sense that Seraria-dono’s superiority secured the win, she was, but I believe it is a mistake to judge Firia’s strength as lacking.
"Yes. Dressa-dono seemed unable to cope with the sheer power Firia-dono exerted, yet her technique was still astonishing. And Queen Seraria read that power perfectly, landing precise, effective blows. For the record, I wouldn't have the confidence to even block Dressa-dono’s attacks."
"That is fair. I doubt I could exchange three blows with her myself. If I tried to block, I’d be cut down along with my weapon. It is no wonder Yuki-dono trusts her so. Her swordsmanship is remarkable, but her use of the shield was even more impressive. Yet, for Firia to push through that... she is even more formidable."
In short, Shou and I have concluded that Weed’s strength far exceeds our wildest imaginations. And the biggest surprise of all was...
"Excuse me. I’ve returned."
"No need to worry. So, how were Seraria-dono and Deryu-dono?"
"Their wounds are fine. They’re just suffering from overeating. Honestly, those two were so fired up for the afternoon that they stuffed themselves. Really, eating that much isn't good for the stomach."
Rurua-dono, who took her seat while complaining half-heartedly, is a member of our team. She had been trading blows on equal footing with the aforementioned Deryu-dono during the tournament. Do you understand? It is absurd for a healer to go toe-to-toe with a professional warrior. Moreover, her opponent was the Demon Lord Deryu-dono herself, whose transcendent skill I am well aware of. She is a powerhouse who can handle entire armies single-handedly. Yet, Rurua-dono fought her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
...It seems the standard for Yuki-dono’s wives is truly terrifying.
"What kind of training does one undergo to be able to trade blows with Deryu-dono like you do, Rurua-dono?"
"Eh? Let’s see. I suppose it’s just 'moderate' training and sparring?"
Hmm. What she says sounds reasonable, but I have no idea what her definition of "moderate" entails.
"Er, is that 'moderate' training like the one we had the other day?"
"Yes, exactly."
Ah, that’s right—Shou mentioned he had been shown their training once. He said Deryu-dono and Rurua-dono had personally acted as his sparring partners. Well, considering what I heard from Shou, it’s no wonder they are strong. Training that appears impossibly harsh to an outsider is common in nations that stand at the pinnacle. Regardless, it is clear that one cannot forge elite soldiers through half-hearted measures.
"Well, I shall ask for the details of that later. For now, our immediate goal is the match starting this afternoon."
"Yes. Rurua-dono, do you have any strategy? We’ve been so busy that we haven't had a chance to discuss it."
Indeed, although we were invited to this event, we had almost no time to prepare. We had to finish meetings with various departments and clear our work for today and tomorrow’s holidays just to make this day possible. Consequently, we have only undergone the bare minimum of training with the guns required for this "Battle Royale."
I had heard of them, but now I truly understand the utility of these weapons. They are essentially miniaturized tanks, yet their power is sufficient. It is a monumental invention that fundamentally changes the nature of warfare. I do not understand why Yuki-dono would teach me about such things without reservation. Perhaps he has already devised countermeasures... and I have the confidence that we could build something similar. We have the national strength for it.
That said, even if we could build them, I have no intention of clashing with Weed. I don't feel like I could win against their tanks or those flying machines. But, setting that aside, what about the strategy for the Battle Royale?
"Indeed. I have the map and I understand the rules, but I don't quite grasp what it will actually be like. I heard the main focus is a shootout with guns, but what is it really?"
I have practiced holding and firing a gun, but I cannot imagine running around while shooting.
"Isn't 'shooting with a gun' supposed to be about sniping enemies as they rush toward a fixed position?"
"That is true. If there were a safe zone, that would be the ideal, but in reality—or rather, in this game—that is not the case. The combat area changes randomly, so there will be times when you have to move through open ground with no cover, or move from building to building. I think you should recognize that this is different from actual warfare."
"Indeed. Besides, a situation where everyone except a small group of allies is an enemy is, in a sense, easy to understand, but it’s also a situation that would never occur in reality."
"Now that you mention it, that is true."
The place where we will fight is real—or rather, it is a place Yuki-dono created—but this match is a scenario that would never happen in a real war. If we were ever in a situation where everyone else was an enemy, annihilation would be inevitable. One would have to retreat before it came to that.
"To put it simply, you don't have to think of it as a war, but rather as if everyone except us is a monster that needs to be exterminated. Though, the weapons they carry are a bit too powerful."
"Ah, I see. So, we are fighting monsters with a certain level of intelligence in this territory."
"Yes, that’s an easy way to look at it. Although, as Rurua-dono said, the means of attack are far too powerful. Still, thinking of it that way, it seems optimal to head to the buildings to secure weapons."
"Yes. You can't do anything without a weapon. For the first match, I think it’s best to just confirm the situation and experience the shootouts firsthand. After all, it is a recreational event."
"Ah, it is an 'Exchange Meet,' isn't it? In that case, shall we try talking to the other teams?"
"That might be a good idea. Though, Eris and her group seem to be aiming for the championship, so I doubt they’ll share any information..."
"Haha. Eris and the others formed their team specifically to win. In that case, how about Lilishe-sama or Hairen-san?"
As Rurua said this, she called out to none other than the priests of the Litea Church. I wonder why such people are participating in an event like this, but then again, we newcomers are participating as well.